Ian Skinner, a senior from Madison, N.J., fulfilled his lifelong dream of working as a cowboy through a competitive summer internship at Alderspring Ranch in Idaho, a sustainable and regenerative grazing operation. Drawing on his studies at Binghamton University, including sustainable agriculture and outdoor experience from a program in New Hampshire, Skinner gained hands-on skills in cattle management and horsemanship. Despite initially lacking horseback riding experience, he prepared by volunteering for riding lessons and adapted quickly to the demanding ranch life, which involved moving cattle carefully to protect the environment and managing daily ranch tasks in a desert valley.

Skinner’s internship was both challenging and transformative, teaching him resilience and independence, especially during a harrowing day when he lost his horse and had to trek back to camp on foot under the hot sun. The experience deepened his appreciation for sustainable farming practices that not only support cattle but also improve land health by sequestering carbon. Looking ahead, Skinner remains open to diverse future paths, from playing hockey abroad to law school or returning to ranch work, valuing the maturity and grit he developed through this unique opportunity.